FROM DESPAIR TO MENSWEAR!

A European fashion designer’s latest collection features images of missing MANIC STREET PREACHERS guitarist RICHEY EDWARDS, including the infamous NME cover shot of EDWARDS carving ‘4 REAL’ into his arm.

But instead of criticising the designer’s use of the shocking image as fashionable rock iconography, the Manics are fans of the collection, NME.COM can exclusively reveal.

Belgian fashion designer Raf Simons’ menswear collection, some of which is pictured here, also features a reproduction of the South Wales Police press release put out when Richey Edwards disappeared in 1995. The red and black striped jumper sells for £170 and the black sweatshirt is available for £165. Both tops also feature Manic Street Preachers patches featuring setlists from Edwards’ time in the band.

Jones of London’s Covent Garden (13-15 Floral Street) stocks Simons’ autumn and winter collection, which has created a huge buzz in the fashion industry.

Manager Kevin McDermott told NME.COM: “It’s the best collection he’s ever done – everyone is raving about it. All the buyers and fashion people said it was the show of the season. We haven’t had any negative reaction about the missing Manics guy.”

For the full story including details of what Nicky Wire said when he came to view the collection, see this week’s NME, out nationwide now.